Seizure dog gives epileptic patient independence

By Alex Hambrick&nbsp|&nbsp

Posted: Thu 10:13 PM, Mar 21, 2013&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Thu 10:53 PM, Mar 21, 2013

Epilepsy effects more than three million people in the U.S. and it's a condition that can be controlled with medication but in severe cases it may never fully disappear and an episode can happen at anytime.

One woman is seeking reassurance and strength from hers seizure dog Kipper, but is struggling to get her life back to normal and says the community hasn't been so welcoming.

"We don't bring these dogs to make anyone upset we need these dogs for a reason mine is for epilepsy," said epileptic patient Lisa Watkins.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) state and local governments, businesses and non-profit organizations that serve the public must allow services animals in.

"He actually gives me confidence to be able to go places by myself before I couldn't even go out for a walk or check the mail," said Watkins.

But said recently she doesn't feel comfortable talking her dog Kipper to stores.

"We need to let these people know we don't want to be kicked out of stores we just want to be like you and everybody else," said Watkins.

According to the Epilepsy Foundation further research needs to be done to test a seizure dogs ability to sense a seizure before it happens and it is not something a patient should count on but there are a few studies that suggest dogs could have this innate skill.

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